You can never have too much talent in the NFL. The Chiefs certainly don’t agree, adding a handful of new faces to their roster to complete a squad that can win the Lombardi Trophy for the third consecutive year in 2025.

Marquise Brown, Samaje Perine and Xavier Worthy are among the most high-profile additions to Kansas City’s roster, as is Carson Steele, an overlooked rookie running back who fought his way to the major leagues by breaking tackle after tackle.

The 6’1″, 220-pound halfback enters the league without much fanfare, at least compared to some of his draft counterparts. But don’t be alarmed. Legions of Chiefs fans believe Steele could have a big impact on Andy Reid’s roster right from the start. Given Kansas City’s history of player development, that view may not be far-fetched.

Here’s what you need to know about Steele, one of football’s true Renaissance men.

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Who is Carson Steele?

Steele is a 21-year-old tailback who earned a spot on the Chiefs’ roster after his name went uncalled in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Greenwood, Indiana native has earned quite a reputation during his short football career.

Steele rose to prominence at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, where he rushed for 1,659 yards and scored 31 touchdowns in his senior season.

For his efforts, Steele was rewarded with a two-star selection and committed to play at Ball State in Muncie, Indiana, an hour from his hometown.

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Steele performed wonders during his two seasons with the Cardinals: As a freshman, he rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns on 192 attempts and developed into one of the MAC’s best runners.

If Steele’s freshman year was the match, this sophomore season was the spark. The then-Ball State talent amassed 1,556 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning All-Conference honors for the 5-7 Cards.

Following his impressive 2022 season, Steele entered the transfer portal. His value had increased significantly since enrolling in college, with 247 Sports rating him as a four-star recruit.

He eventually landed at UCLA. Steele was similarly successful in the blue and gold of the Bruins, totaling 847 yards and six touchdowns. As a junior, he didn’t handle all the rushing duties – TJ Harden also played a major role in Chip Kelly’s offense.

Nevertheless, his penchant for making thunderous shots in the open field seems to have made quite an impression on the Kansas City team, so much so that they decided to make the lively running back an offer as a non-drafted free agent.

Steele has taken full advantage of his opportunity so far. After an impressive preseason that saw Steele reach the end zone, he was named to KC’s 53-man roster. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire placed on the non-football list, he could see more playing time in the coming weeks.

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Carson Steele – Alligator as a pet

In addition to Steele’s ability to punish opposing defenders, he has another unique piece in his collection: he owns a pet alligator.

The lizard named “Crocky-J” – a nonsensical nickname Steele came up with himself – has been a part of the golden-haired Tailback’s life since childhood. They have fought many wars; the number of objects Crocky-J has turned into ruins is constantly growing.

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Nevertheless, the loud reptile is part of Steele’s identity.

“He kind of represents me, especially a kid from the Midwest coming to LA with blond hair doesn’t look like he should be from Indiana, you know?” Steele said, according to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times. “You might as well put an alligator in there.”

Nicknames of Carson Steele

Steele went by a number of nicknames during his career on the football field. During his time at Ball State University, he was called “Thor,” “Fabio,” and “Man of Steele.” One publication called him “the most interesting man in college football.” We’ll see if that label holds up during his time in the big leagues.